Family: Plumbaginaceae

‘Ilie‘e is a sprawling shrub with bright green leaves and white tubular flowers that grow on terminal racemes. Flowers have 5 pointy petals, green ribs, and blue/purple anthers. The flower’s calyx is completely coated with numerous erect glands that produce a sticky substance. This stickiness can trap or deter unwanted pests as well as helps in seed dispersal. The fruit capsule remains within this persistent calyx and the sticky glands behave like spines or burrs as the fruit matures. ʻIliʻeʻe is a very hardy and showy groundcover for any yard!

Habitat & Uses

The indigenous plant has a large native pantropical range and is present on all islands. ʻIliʻeʻe likes to naturally grow in arid disturbed areas, sand dunes, and dry forests to shrublands below 2,000 feet. In some parts of the world ‘ilie‘e is called ‘doctorbush.’ It’s used medicinally worldwide. Hawaiians used the toxic roots of ʻiliʻeʻe in small amounts to relieve toothaches. The bark, leaves, and roots could be combined into a poultice to reduce swelling. A paste could also be made from the leaves and stems to protect sores. Early Hawaiians also utilized the ʻiliʻeʻe sap for navy blue to black tattoo inks. 

Landscaping & Cultivation

When grown in a mounding form, regular trimming will be needed. With enough pruning, you can also form ʻiliʻeʻe into a low hedge. A single plant can eventually spread to 15 feet or more. You can also let it sprawl as a woody groundcover to help stabilize the soil. ‘Ilie‘e does best in full sun for maximum flowering, but part sun is suitable. This makes ‘ilie‘e a perfect plant for xeriscape gardens. After transplanting, water until it is established or new growth is observed. ʻIliʻeʻe attracts beneficial butterflies, moths, and bees. However, watch out for common pests like ants, mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites, slugs, and Chinese rose beetles. Use slow-release fertilizers with minor elements every 6 months. Cultivation is easiest from seed, which can take about 20 days to germinate.

Name Origins

The ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi ʻili can mean skin, bark, cover, leather, or area. The word ʻeʻe means hard, stiff, or dry. One interpretation is that the name ʻiliʻeʻe refers to its traditional medicinal uses as ʻiliʻeʻe poultices could be used on skin sores/swelling. After the poultice does its job it will dry out leaving behind a stiff “bark” on top of the skin. Another root word eʻe can mean one who climbs and ʻili can refer to small stones. Therefore, another interpretation is that ʻiliʻeʻe can mean a plant that climbs over the pebbly and rocky areas. Other names for ʻiliʻeʻe include hilieʻe referring to how it stains dark brown and lauhihi meaning a plant that entangles and creeps.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Cultural significance
• Erosion control
• Medicinal
• Ornamental

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers